Faculty/Staff

Principal - Teresa Leon
Contact:  (931) 853-4388
                tleon@shsloretto.com
Teresa Leon, for many of us, is not a stranger to Sacred Heart Catholic School. She was a teacher here for five years and gained respect and love from the parish priests, faculty and families. After returning to her childhood home in Florida, Mrs. Leon gained a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Barry University and a master’s degree in Theology from St. Leo University. She worked at Blessed Trinity Catholic School in the Diocese of Orlando for 14 years as a teacher and administrator. She and her husband Mike decided to move back to Tennessee to be closer to her children and grandchildren.  

Mrs. Leon has been Vice Principal at Overbrook School in Nashville for the past four years. As many of you may know, Overbrook is owned and operated by the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia Congregation. Their Mother House is located in Nashville. Her experience working with the Dominican Sisters provided her with additional knowledge and training to continue her leadership here at Sacred Heart. 

Mrs. Leon has provided leadership and support to her colleagues here in Tennessee as well as the Diocese of Orlando. Her steady approach, humor and reflective nature make her approachable to all. One of Mrs. Leon’s strengths is her willingness to provide input and ask questions. As a seasoned Administrator, Mrs. Leon offers a valued perspective and insight into various situations and will often provide a voice to the discussions. In addition, Mrs. Leon has been effective in what is arguably the toughest time to be in Catholic education. COVID-19 and social concerns have presented education with many challenges for the Church, school, families and the community. Throughout all, Mrs. Leon has demonstrated steadfast leadership that has resulted in high expectations for the students and faculty.

Welcome to Sacred Heart Catholic School.

Secretary - Coral Potts
Contact:  (931) 853-4388
                cpotts@shsloretto.com
I have been working in the school office at Sacred Heart School since 2013.  I am married to David Potts and we have 3 children, Taylor, David Chance, & Micah.  We also have a granddaughter, Kylie.  We moved here in 2007 & two of our children have attended Sacred Heart School since Pre-K.  I enjoy & am blessed to be able to work at Sacred Heart.  I had worked for the State of Tennessee as a Field Supervisor of the Lawrence County Department of Human Services for over 16 years before leaving to be with my children where my husband & I felt I would be best suited.  I have a Bachelor of Science in Sociology & Religion from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. 


Pre-Kindergarten Teacher - Staci Barnett
Contact:  sbarnett@shsloretto.com
I am the Pre-K Teacher, and have always lived in Loretto. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Education for Pre-K through 6th Grade from Middle Tennessee State University. I have been the Pre-K teacher since 2007 when our Pre-K began. I enjoy teaching my little ones because I love seeing their expressions as they learn new things and experience school for the first time! I have been married to Blake Barnett since October 2009. We have a daughter who attends school at SHS. We attend Antioch United Methodist Church. In my spare time {what little I have :-) } I like to read and go on short trips with my family. 


Pre-K Assistant - Sherri Forsythe
Contact:  sforsythe@shsloretto.com
I have been the pre-K teacher at Sacred Heart School for 4 years. I am married to Wayne, We have been married for almost 19 years.  My oldest daughter Grace attended Sacred Heart from Pre-K -8th grade. She has graduated from Loretto High School.  My youngest daughter, Cara, also attended Sacred Heart. In my free time I enjoy reading, traveling, spending time with my family, and being in the sun!


Pre-K Aide - Colleen Vess
I am the Pre-K Aide. I graduated from Sacred Heart School in 2007. I love assisting the children with crafts. I feel so blessed to be apart of helping children grow. In my free time, I like fishing and spending time with family.


Kindergarten Teacher - Sue Vess
Contact:  svess@shsloretto.com
I am the Kindergarten teacher.  My family and I moved to this area in 2001 and immediately felt right at home and became very active at both Sacred Heart Church and School.  I have three children, of which two attended Sacred Heart School, and eight grandchildren.   In 2008 I was excited to be the Pre-K Paraprofessional and by 2016 was blessed to become the Kindergarten Teacher.  I love the role of introducing Jesus to children through "STREAM" and setting a foundation for a lifetime love of learning.  I am honored to have the privilege to be a part of the Sacred Heart family.


1st/2nd Grade Teacher - Abby Brown
Contact:  abby.brown@shsloretto.com
I am the 1st & 2nd grade teacher and Sacred Heart School is where I'm beginning my teaching journey! I've been married to my husband, Johnathan, since 2013. We have three children, Elishah, Gabriel, and Blair. I attended Columbia State Community College and Western Governor's University to obtain my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, Kindergarten through 5th grade. 



3rd/4th Grade Teacher - Chelsea Curtis
Contact:  chelsea@shsloretto.com
I am the 3rd & 4th grade teacher! I have lived here my entire life and have been a member of Sacred Heart parish since 1995. I am a 2007 graduate of Sacred Heart School and I’m extremely excited to be here! I am an active member of the parish and wish to continue serving and nurturing the young minds at Sacred Heart.  I have been married to my husband Zac since 2014 and we have two wonderful boys!

5th/6th Grade Teacher - Zac Curtis
Contact:  zcurtis@shsloretto.com
I am the fifth and sixth grade teacher! I am going on my second year at sacred heart after being welcomed in last spring semester. I am also the Head Baseball Coach at Loretto High school. I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a bachelors in science in 2014 before playing professional baseball for the past six years. I am currently finishing my masters in education from the University of North Alabama. I am married to Chelsea Curtis and we have two beautiful boys Greyson (7) and Brooks (2). In my free time I love spending time with my kids along with Golfing, and helping local baseball players.


7th/8th Grade Teacher - Danielle Busby
Contact:  dbusby@shsloretto.com
I teach the seventh and eighth grades at Sacred Heart. I have a degree in Elementary Education from Athens State University with a minor in Early Childhood Education. I am a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Loretto and graduated from Sacred Heart School in 1993. I am married to Jeremy Busby and we have four children: Emma, Addie, Easton, and Andrew. I am also a Gemma to my sweet grandson FInley. I enjoy spending time with my family, watching sporting events, and traveling to the beach as often as possible.


Cafeteria Manager - Brenda Burks
Contact:  (931) 853-4337
                 bburks@shsloretto.com
My husband is Shayne Burks, I have 2 Daughters Monica and Morgan and 2 grandaughters Madelyn and Scarlett. I enjoy cooking for my family at home as well as for our school family at Sacred Heart.


Cafeteria Assistant - Ashley Beckman
Contact:  abeckman@shsloretto.com
My husband, Cory Beckman, and I have two children, Drake & Cohen. Cory attended Sacred Heart School through his 8th grade year and we want to continue this tradition with our sons. I enjoy cooking, traveling, running, and spending time with my family.


Cafeteria Assistant - Ali Vanderford
Contact: avanderford@shsloretto.com